er is/er zijn
There Is/There Are
Dutch uses er is and er zijn to say 'there is' or 'there are'. It is used to introduce something new to the conversation, but usually only if that thing is indefinite (like 'a book' or 'some people').
How It Works
The construction er is / er zijn functions as an existential marker. Here are the key rules for using it correctly:
- Verb Agreement: Unlike English, the verb must always match the number of the subject. Use er is for one thing and er zijn for multiple things.
- Mostly Indefinite Subjects: You normally use this pattern with indefinite subjects (using een, numbers, or words like veel or weinig). You do not normally use it with definite subjects (like de man or mijn boek), except to list things (as in Er is ook nog de afwas).
- Word Order: While er often starts the sentence, it can also appear after the verb if the sentence starts with a time or place (e.g., Vandaag is er...). This follows the standard verb-second rule.
- Beyond 'To Be': Dutch often uses er with position verbs like staan (to stand), liggen (to lie), zitten (to sit), or hangen (to hang) to be more descriptive than just using 'to be'.
Note: While this pattern introduces things, er has other functions you will encounter later, such as referring to a quantity ('of them') or being used in passive sentences.
Examples (5)
- Er is een kat in de tuin.
There is a cat in the garden.
Word by Word: There is a cat in the garden.
A simple singular example using 'een' (indefinite).
- Er zijn drie appels op de tafel.
There are three apples on the table.
Word by Word: There are three apples on the table.
The verb 'zijn' is plural because 'drie appels' is plural.
- Er is geen melk meer.
There is no milk left.
Word by Word: There is no milk anymore.
Negative sentences with 'geen' also use this construction.
- Gisteren waren er veel mensen.
Yesterday there were many people.
Word by Word: Yesterday were there many people.
When a time word starts the sentence, 'er' moves after the verb.
- Er staat een boom voor het huis.
There is a tree (standing) in front of the house.
Word by Word: There stands a tree for the house.
Dutch often uses 'staan' instead of 'zijn' for upright objects.
Common Mistakes
Using 'er is' with a definite subject (like 'the' or 'my').
Er is de man bij de deur.De man is bij de deur.If the subject is specific (the man), you don't use 'er'. Just start with the subject.
Forgetting to change the verb to plural for multiple items.
Er is twee honden in het park.Er zijn twee honden in het park.In Dutch, the verb must agree with the real subject (two dogs).
Omitting 'er' when starting a sentence with an indefinite subject.
Een probleem is.Er is een probleem.Dutch sentences sound incomplete if they start directly with an indefinite subject like 'een probleem'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'er is/er zijn', you first need to know how to conjugate the verb 'zijn' (to be) in both singular and plural forms. Additionally, since this pattern is used to introduce new or indefinite information, you should be familiar with indefinite articles and how to form plural nouns.
- zijnTo Be (Zijn)
The existential construction 'er is/er zijn' is built directly on the singular and plural present tense forms of the verb 'zijn' (to be).
Level 1 - een + NounIndefinite Article
Existential 'er' is primarily used to introduce indefinite subjects, so understanding how to use the indefinite article 'een' is essential for forming correct sentences.
Level 1 - -enRegular Plural
To use 'er zijn' correctly, the learner must be able to form plural nouns, as this form is required when the subject is plural.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Verb-second Rule
Explains why 'er' moves after the verb when a time or place starts the sentence.
Level 3 - staanTo Stand/Be Standing
Dutch frequently uses 'er staat' instead of 'er is' for standing objects.
Level 2 - er (plaats)There (Locative)
Explains the difference between the placeholder 'er' and 'er' meaning 'there' (location).
Level 2 - geenNo/Not Any (Negation)
Used with 'er is/zijn' to say 'there is no...' or 'there are no...'.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice er is/er zijn in Bubblegum
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